UAE, Russian presidents discuss Middle East developments, strategic partnership

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral cooperation and developments in the Middle East during a phone call Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

The two leaders reviewed various aspects of cooperation and joint efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership between their countries in a way that serves their mutual interests, according to the UAE’s state news agency WAM.

They also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common concern, particularly developments in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to address them.

Both leaders stressed the importance of strengthening regional security and stability for the benefit of countries and peoples across the region.

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The call comes amid continuing regional tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict and concerns over maritime security and energy supplies.

In a later statement on the phone call, the Kremlin said that the two presidents discussed the further development of bilateral cooperation “against the backdrop of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and the UAE.”

“During an exchange of views on the international agenda, they addressed agreements reached following Vladimir Putin’s telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump regarding supplies of Russian diesel fuel, as well as prospects for resolving the crisis in the Persian Gulf region,” the statement said.

It added that the Russian and Emirati presidents agreed to maintain personal contact.

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